This Clean Eating Goddess is more of a crunchy, salt girl then a dessert one. Chips and french fries are probably my biggest weakness and I literally don’t think I could survive a month without having either. My man refers to me as a chip monster. Yes. MONSTER. Thank god there are some great healthy alternatives out there. I love any chip containing beans, non GMO corn or brown rice as one of the first ingredients. It is also an added bonus if they are baked in olive oil rather than deep fried. It is ok to indulge in these kinds of treats but always remember to keep an eye out on portions. From my experience, NEVER eat from the bag- especially in the car. I have come very close to finishing off an entire bag of chips all by myself. When your driving or doing other activities like watching tv or working on the computer you seem to lose control and become less mindful about what you are actually eating. On the other hand, I know its hard to just have 12 chips. 12 chips are a tease. Many people turn to popcorn because of its large portion for little calories and fat. I don’t count calories, but I know that having an entire bag of chips isn’t the best for my waistline, or my health.

I know that most of us go for that reduced fat microwave popcorn thinking we are doing ourselves good. But when something tastes like butter without butter being in it at all, logic tell us the product has its share of chemicals. So whats the solution, you ask? The old fashioned way- right on the stove top. I have to say, I was quite impressed with just how easy this was to make. I will never go back to microwave popcorn again. The best part is you have complete control of the taste and ingredients that go into your healthy snack. I added lots of superfoods into mine to make it salty, crunchy and also good for you. In this batch, I cooked the corn in anti viral coconut oil and coated the kernels in anti inflammatory turmeric, omega 3 rich chia seeds and vitamin rich maple syrup!

Directions:

1.Add corn and coconut oil to a large stock pot. Turn on the heat to medium high. Add a good pinch of salt. Wait for the oil to simmer. When the first kernel pops, cover and allow to continue until the popping slows down. Once it begins to slow down. Remove from heat and pour popcorn unto a large baking sheet.

2.In a your food processor add a small pinch of a salt and pepper, turmeric, chia, garlic powder, chilli flakes, nutritional yeast and sumac. Pulse until a powder forms.

3.In a small sauce pan over medium heat, bring your maple syrup to a simmer. Add your spice mixture and stir for 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavour.

There truly is nothing like fresh Italian pasta. Something about the combination of comforting starchy noodles and tasty fresh sauces makes all my troubles go away. After traveling throughout Italy, I was so inspired by their use of simple ingredients. A little garlic, tomato and wine and you had one of the most delicious pastas you ever tasted.

So any home cook probably did the same thing as me. The second I got home I went to my local grocery store and picked up what I thought was the same garlic, tomato, wine etc… Cooked everything the same way I had learned from nonna and voila! I had a meal that tasted like true… Italian…leather. Why didn’t it taste the same? I added the same amounts, the same ingredients… was it me? Was it my stove? No… in fact it was those “same ingredients” that really weren’t the same at all. A tomato grown in nonna’s backyard is not the same tomato you get at Publix, Provigo or even Whole Foods. I think that most North Americans are making pretty average tasting dishes in general because of one simple mistake. Sh*t ingredients.
I really came to truly believe this after The Barefoot Contessa herself, Ina Garten, bullied me enough through the TV to buy those good quality eggs, good quality olive oil, good quality vanilla etc…She always said “make sure its good quality.” I thought, oh olive oil is olive oil. Take it from me, it is not the case. Test it yourself and I promise you will end up coming to the same conclusion as I did. Listen, I know its hard…. you don’t want to go to the market, or spend so much extra on that expensive maple syrup when you can just get some Aunt Jemima. But knowing where to stretch your dollar and where to spend a little more is the difference between a bland boring dinner, to one that tastes like you are eating at a winery in Tuscany. That is truly how Italians make their food taste unbelievably delicious. They aren’t putting red wine from the 7/11 or depanneur into their marinara. It isn’t 55 crazy expensive ingredients that you can’t pronounce or understand. They use simple, good quality ingredients and cook them right. They showcase the taste and quality of the ingredients themselves. I know its tempting to buy that 99 cent can of whole tomatoes but those San Marzano ones in the can for $4.99 is the epitome of the Olive Garden vs. Tuscany debate. Heres my must-do list when making a fresh pasta at home.

CEG’s Must-do Italian

1. If making a tomato sauce, always buy San Marzano tomatoes from the can… not San Marzano type… just San Marzano.

2. Always add wines into your sauces that you would drink from a glass.

3. Fresh pasta (bought or homemade) can take your pasta to the next level. But boxed pastas are just fine!

4. Don’t use jarred or dried garlic/onion. Buy fresh. Cut fresh.

5. Invest in a good quality olive oil that tastes great to you. Most markets or speciality food stores will let you taste the olive oils. Bring your own Gfree crackers or bread and test it out! Plus they’ll give you the best information on which ones to cook with and which to only use on salads or as garnish.

6. Don’t forget the fresh herbs. Fresh basil can make the world of difference in any pasta dish. If you are making a heavier pasta, any fresh herb or green will lighten (and brighten) up the dish. (If you don’t have basil on hand, add a little fresh kale or arugula).

7. Boil your noodles in heavily salted water. The noodles absorb the water they are cooking in, so you want those noodles seasoned!Don’t use the expensive stuff here. Kosher salt is perfect!
Now for the pasta recipe! This pasta is full of protein and healthy fats from the black beans and pine nuts. Feel free to add shrimp, chicken or ground turkey for a little meaty touch. But on its own it is truly satisfying and perfect for Meatless Mondays. If spice isn’t your thing, simply leave out the chilli flakes and hot sauce. Buon Appetito!

Directions:

1. Chop all ingredients so they are ready to go! (separate them in bowls or on your cutting board).2. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a deep skillet on medium heat.3. Once the oil is hot, add the shallot and sautee until soft. Then add garlic and chilli flakes, salt and pepper and sautee for another 30 seconds.4. Add canned tomatoes and crush with a wooden spoon or cut with kitchen scissors. Bring to a boil, then put heat to low. Add tomato paste and stir until combined. Let simmer until most of the water has evaporated (about 30 minutes).5. While the sauce is simmering, heat the other tablespoon of olive oil in another skillet on medium heat. Add olive oil and sautee for 30 seconds. Then add zucchini, peppers and mushrooms, salt and pepper. Cook until tender and slightly brown.6. Now its time to boil your pasta according to the directions on package or box. If you bought fresh pasta, then cook it in heavily salted water for 2-3 minutes.7. Back to the sauce…after the sauce has thickened add the red wine. Stir and taste. Add hot sauce if you want more heat, and adjust salt and pepper seasoning if necessary.8. Toast your pine nuts on medium heat in a dry pan until golden. Watch carefully or they will burn (5 minutes).9. Add the vegetables to the pasta sauce, stir. Then add the noodles. Toss until well combined. Top with fresh basil or arugula and toasted pine nuts.